‘You pulled her about, you frightened her, you terrified her and the children and took it upon yourself to use direct physical violence, causing serious bruising which has had significant effects upon her.’

He added, ‘I have to achieve a balance of imposing the appropriate penalty, taking into account the pain and suffering of your victim, the statements and the facts of this case, against the good points which undoubtedly assist in your favour.’

According to reports Cowell’s victim, who is soon to be his ex-wife, said, ‘I feel cheated that his sentence was suspended, and that the coercive control charge is lying on the file. People ask why victims don’t report everything that happens to them – it’s because they feel they won’t be believed or that it won’t be taken seriously.’